From the Hills of Ella to the Pages of Forbes: The Abeyarathne Family Makes Sri Lanka Proud!
By: Thasmina Sookoor
From humble beginnings in the tea country to international recognition, the extraordinary journey of the Abeyrathne family is a story of perseverance, family values, entrepreneurial vision and a deep commitment to Sri Lanka. The remarkable success of one of Sri Lanka's most enterprising families has attracted international attention, with the Abeyrathne family, whose business interests span luxury hospitality, Ceylon tea, adventure tourism and leisure, featured in Forbes in an article published on the 4th of November 2026. The recognition marks a significant milestone not only for the family but also for Sri Lanka's growing reputation as a destination for world-class hospitality and innovative tourism experiences. At the centre of this inspiring journey are brothers Chamara, Eranda and Ranga Abeyrathne, who have built upon the foundations established by their parents, Dharmasiri Abeyrathne and Nalini Rajapaksha, to create Vella, a diversified family-owned enterprise associated with some of Ella's most distinctive tourism attractions. Their story is one of extraordinary transformation. What began with the modest entrepreneurial efforts of a determined father has evolved into a collection of internationally recognised businesses that have contributed to placing Ella firmly on the global tourism map. For Sri Lanka, the international spotlight on this family represents a proud moment, demonstrating how local enterprise, innovation and hard work can achieve recognition far beyond the country's shores.
A Legacy Built on Determination and Trust
Long before the Abeyrathne name became associated with luxury resorts and tourism experiences, Dharmasiri Abeyrathne was earning a living through modest businesses. He sold lottery tickets and newspapers, supplied firewood to tea factories and undertook construction work. Through these activities, he gradually established a reputation for honesty, reliability and determination. His entrepreneurial journey took a decisive turn when the Uva Halpewatte tea factory became available for purchase. Recognising the opportunity, Dharmasiri mortgaged his family home to raise the necessary funds. Even then, the money was insufficient, and several attempts to obtain financial support proved unsuccessful. Eventually, two businessmen placed their confidence in him and agreed to assist.
It was an important turning point, illustrating a principle that would remain central to the family's business philosophy: trust is among the most valuable assets an entrepreneur can possess. Alongside him stood his wife, Nalini Rajapaksha, whose contribution was equally significant. A schoolteacher by profession, she balanced her responsibilities in education with the demands of the family business, packaging tea, maintaining accounts and helping manage the enterprise. Her commitment and sacrifices provided stability during the family's formative years and helped create opportunities for the next generation. Together, Dharmasiri and Nalini laid the foundations of an entrepreneurial legacy that would eventually reach an international audience.
Three Brothers with a Shared Vision
The family's three sons, Chamara, Eranda and Ranga, grew up witnessing the dedication and sacrifices required to build a business from the ground up. Their parents placed considerable emphasis on education, ensuring that they gained international exposure and the knowledge necessary to pursue opportunities beyond traditional business models. Chamara attended Durham University in the United Kingdom, Ranga studied at the University of Exeter, while Eranda pursued his education at Monash University in Australia. Their experiences overseas exposed them to international business practices, changing consumer expectations and new approaches to hospitality, branding and tourism. Rather than pursuing their ambitions entirely abroad, the brothers applied their knowledge to developing the family enterprise in Sri Lanka. In 2009, the family launched Halpé Tea, establishing a brand that would eventually take single-estate Ceylon tea to more than 30 countries. The achievement demonstrated their ability to transform a traditional Sri Lankan industry into an internationally marketable brand while preserving the identity and reputation of Ceylon tea. Yet their ambitions extended beyond tea production. They recognised the extraordinary potential of Ella, a picturesque hill-country town surrounded by tea estates, mountains and breathtaking natural scenery. At a time when Ella was known largely as a destination for backpackers and budget travellers, the brothers envisioned a future in which it could attract discerning international visitors seeking distinctive luxury experiences.
The Birth of an Iconic Sri Lankan Resort
One of the most fascinating aspects of the family's story is the unusual inspiration behind 98 Acres Resort & Spa, now one of Ella's most recognisable luxury properties. The idea emerged from an unexpected travel experience involving Chamara Abeyrathne.
After unsuccessful attempts to obtain visas to Australia and Dubai, Chamara travelled instead to Nepal. During a trek near Annapurna, he encountered circular shelters with thatched roofs that blended naturally into the surrounding mountain landscape. The experience inspired an architectural concept that would eventually become the defining feature of 98 Acres Resort & Spa. When the resort opened in 2012, it introduced a distinctive approach to luxury hospitality, combining contemporary comfort with architecture that complemented Ella's natural surroundings. Rather than constructing conventional hotel buildings, the family developed a property that celebrated the landscape and created a sense of harmony between accommodation and nature. The resort grew gradually, beginning with a restaurant and a small number of rooms before expanding its facilities and reputation. Its success helped demonstrate that Sri Lanka's hill country could compete in the international luxury tourism market. For visitors from around the world, 98 Acres became more than a place to stay. It offered an experience closely connected to the scenery, tranquillity and natural beauty of Ella. The resort's recognition at the 2016 World Luxury Awards further strengthened its standing in the hospitality sector. Today, its distinctive architecture and scenic setting have become closely associated with Ella's identity as a premium tourism destination.
Transforming Ella into an International Tourism Experience
The success of 98 Acres encouraged the Abeyrathne brothers to explore opportunities beyond traditional accommodation. Their vision was to create a range of attractions and experiences that would encourage visitors to spend more time in Ella while enjoying the diversity of Sri Lanka's hill country. This approach led to the development of several ventures under the Vella group. Flying Ravana Adventure Park, introduced in 2019, brought an exciting new dimension to Ella's tourism offering. The adventure facility helped position the destination as a location for outdoor activities and adventure tourism in addition to relaxation and sightseeing. In 2020, the family introduced Kiri KĹŤpi, expanding its interests into the café and food and beverage sector. The following year saw further investment in exclusive private accommodation, including Walaa Kulu, a luxury villa inspired by the beauty of Ella's sunrise views. Ravana Pool Club, launched in 2022, added another distinctive leisure experience, drawing inspiration from international hospitality and entertainment concepts.
In 2024, Amber Swing at Ambuluwawa, near Kandy, marked an expansion of the group's adventure tourism interests beyond Ella. Together, these ventures reflect the family's understanding of changing global tourism trends. Modern travellers increasingly seek memorable experiences rather than accommodation alone. By introducing complementary attractions, the brothers have contributed to making Ella a destination offering luxury, adventure, relaxation and entertainment. Their achievements also demonstrate how Sri Lankan entrepreneurs can develop internationally appealing tourism concepts while drawing inspiration from the country's natural surroundings.
Creating Opportunities for Local Communities
An especially important aspect of the family's journey is the emphasis placed on ensuring that business growth benefits the communities in which their enterprises operate. From an initial workforce of just five people, the group has expanded to approximately 700 employees, alongside around 80 certified specialists associated with its adventure operations. This growth has created employment opportunities and contributed to skills development within the region. The family has also encouraged local participation in the tourism economy. Rather than maintaining a large internal transport fleet, the resort directs guests towards vetted local transport providers, allowing independent drivers to benefit from visitor demand. Similarly, the family has encouraged nearby households to provide accommodation for visiting drivers, creating additional sources of income for local residents. These practices reflect an approach to tourism development that recognises the importance of sharing economic opportunities with surrounding communities. For a destination such as Ella, where tourism has become an increasingly important source of livelihood, such initiatives can have a meaningful impact. In 2026, Vella also received Great Place to Work recognition, adding another milestone to the group's development. The family's achievements demonstrate that successful tourism businesses can contribute not only to visitor experiences but also to employment, professional development and local enterprise.
Growing Through Family Values and Financial Discipline
Despite the scale of their expansion, the Abeyrathne family has maintained a strong commitment to family ownership and financial independence. The brothers have emphasised reinvesting the wealth generated by their existing businesses into new ventures rather than relying heavily on outside investment. This philosophy has allowed them to retain control over the direction of their enterprises and develop projects in accordance with their long-term vision.
Their approach reflects lessons inherited from their parents, particularly the importance of financial discipline, perseverance and responsible decision-making. The family also recognises the contribution of its employees and management teams, acknowledging that the continued success of a growing organisation depends on the people who operate and sustain it. Looking ahead, the brothers have ambitious plans for further development. These include a gravity-based adventure park, a luxury wellness retreat featuring 30 villas on land containing seven waterfalls, and the proposed international expansion of Kiri KĹŤpi into Australia and Dubai. Such aspirations reflect the confidence of a Sri Lankan family enterprise increasingly looking towards opportunities in international markets.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition: A Legacy of National Pride
The Abeyrathne family’s recognition in Forbes is a proud moment for Sri Lanka, celebrating an extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to international success. From Dharmasiri Abeyrathne selling newspapers, lottery tickets and firewood to his three sons building a thriving hospitality and tourism enterprise, their story reflects generations of perseverance, sacrifice and entrepreneurial vision. Supported by the unwavering dedication of Nalini Rajapaksha, the family transformed modest beginnings into internationally recognised ventures that have contributed significantly to Ella’s emergence as a leading tourism destination. Beyond commercial success, their achievements have created employment, supported local communities and showcased Sri Lanka’s hospitality, natural beauty and entrepreneurial talent to the world. Their journey demonstrates how determination, innovation and strong family values can build globally competitive businesses. From the mist-covered hills of Ella to the pages of Forbes, the Abeyrathne family’s inspiring legacy stands as a testament to Sri Lankan enterprise and national pride.
Dharmasiri Abeyrathne
Chamara, Eranda and Ranga
